Saturday, April 30, 2005

A Steadfast Heart

Psalm 51:1-13

"Have mercy on m e, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my inquity and cleanse me from my sin.... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (v. 1-2, 10-13)

Oh how great it is to live in a clean house. Oh how wonderful it feels to wash away all the filth and dirt from our bodies during a bath, and refreshing it is afterwards. In either cases, action is taken on our part. Cleaning a house can be as simple as just organizing it, and as a difficult and time consuming as scrubbing away grime and grease. Taking a bath requires taking our clothes off and having it washed, as we lather with soap and wash away the dirt. How often do we immediately desire to dirty either? Do we ever? Wouldn't it be nice to always have it clean? Do we not sometimes take measure to do so?

Well our sins, other than the consequences, are no different. It is good to recognize that we have sinned against God, and seek His forgiveness. Through God's "unfailing love" (Jesus Christ), our sins are washed away. Oh what a feeling! However, we cannot stop after forgiveness. We should also seek God to retain a "pure heart" through His strength. We need a "steadfast" spirit to sustain us and not sin again. As parents, how do we feel when our children continues to disobey. Most times our children our genuine in asking forgiveness, but they just do not have the stamina to avoid it again. Does it not hurt us. Similarly, we too must have a "steadfast spirit", but it can only come from Him. Therefore, let us continue to pray continuously having our eyes fixed on Him.

Faith in a creed can go stale—faith in Christ can be fresh every day.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Bringing Hope to Others

Matthew 5:1-16

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (v. 13-16)

As sons and daughters, we are all gifted in certains ways and callled to serve Him in different ways. For some it may be to a beacon of light to help find the lost, and for others it could be to be an encouragement for others in their walk with the Lord. Regardless, we are all called to do some work, and it may differ at different moments. The most important part is for us to recognize our calling and gifting, and to do our part. Afterall, if no one did, would we have found our way? Let us therefore do our best to bring hope to those who need it. Let us share and remind others about God's great love for us that He sent His Son to die in our place, so we may have salvation through Him!

Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee,
My life controlled by power divine,
That I a shining light may be
From which Thy grace may ever shine. —Robertson

A single light can provide hope in the darkest night.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Sufficient Grace

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

"As God's fellow workers we urge you, not to receive Gods' grace in vain. For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you now is he time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.'" (v. 1-2)

Let us not be deceived that in hardship the Lord has left us. Let us be firm in our faith, and not believe that out salvation is a one time event. God will always be with us and will meet our needs everytime we seek Him. He does not want us to suffer hardship, and so we must always seek His grace in all circumstances. When our eyes are fixed on Him, then we will no longer be distracted and be worried about our circumstances, since we have faith in Him. We shoud always rejoice in His goodness, grace, and love.

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

A Greater Strength

Judges 6:11-16, 33-40

"The LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midians hand. Am I not sending you?' 'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' The LORD answered, 'I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.'" (v. 14-16)

A specific calling or an answer from the Lord may not always make logical sense. In the eyes of men it may not make sense, but God always has the best reasons. Many times we may seem to be the weakest, but through our weakness lies a greater strength. Again, it is not about our abilities that God seeks, but our availability. Afterall, it is God who created us. He can therefore always provide us the abilities. However, He seeks our willingness and faith in Him to draw from the strength that we need. It is our obedience to Him that counts most. Therefore, let us not hinder ourselves from following God because it does not seem to make sense, but let us make ourselves available through an obedient and faithful heart.

When you're afraid of what's ahead,
Remember, God is near;
He'll give you strength and joy and hope
And calm your inner fear. —Sper

To take the fear out of living, put your faith in the living God.

Monday, April 25, 2005

He is Our Strength

Exodus 4:10-17

"Moses said to the LORD, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.' The LORD siad to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.'" (v.10-12)

There may be times when we are called upon by the Lord, or we may be asked to act on something from the Lord. In many of these cases we may feel inadequate or uncomfortable with obeying such request. Many times we may simply dismiss it believing that we "misheard" or justify that it mustn't had been from God since we are inadequate to properly complete the requested task. Sometimes we may encourages ourselves to do it at a later time when we have sufficiently developed the needed skills. Unfortunately, this is not what the Lord seeks of us. First, we are reminded that He is the Creator of all things. He can supply us with every need. However, the main lesson to be learned is that it is not by our strength (and skills) to which we are to complete things... it is through His. The Lord wants us to be obedient and to depend on Him. Afterall, it is not our abilities He seeks... he can always supply these... it is our availability. Let us therefore always seek Him, obey Him, and depend on Him.

All faithful saints who walk with God
Through weakness learn to trust His Word;
They're not immune to pain or tears,
But learn to rise above their fears. —D. De Haan

God's strength is best seen in our weakness.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Praise Him

Psalm 95

"Come, le us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pature, the flock under his care." (v. 1-7)

The Lord our God is the creator of all things. He has control over the seas and the mountains. He has named all the stars, and knows the number of hairs we have on our head. Our God is an awesome God. And yet He sacrificed His Son to die in our place. His love for us is unmatched and unwavering. We should be excited and full of joy. Let us rejoice and give Him the glory.

Praise the Savior, ye who know Him!
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him
All we are and have. —Kelly

Our worship is right only when we are right with God.

Saturday, April 23, 2005

He is Our Witness

John 3:1-16

"I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but not have eternal life.'" (v. 11-16)

Most, if not all, are skeptics. We will only believe it is "proven", or if we witness it ourselves. Our heavenly Father knew this about us, and because of his immense unconditional love for us, He sent His Son to die for us. However, let us not also remove the significance as to His life on earth. His time on earth was very critical because it helped establish the "proof" or "witness" of His being the Son of God. Otherwise, His death would also be insignificant because many would not believe. There was no other reason for His entering the world as a baby, growing up into adulthood, and working for a living other than being an example and especially being a witness to us. Therefore, it is both His life and death that is our witness to God's love. Let us also now share through our testimony of His great love!

Lord, help me make my witness clear
And labor faithfully,
So friends and neighbors turn to Christ
Through what they hear from me. —Anon.

We plant the seed; God gives the harvest.

Friday, April 22, 2005

Hope in the Lord

Exodus 6:1-9

"Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgement. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.'" (v. 6-8)

Through Scripture we know the events that took place, and we know how the LORD kept His promise to bring His people to the promise land. However, for the Israelites at that time, it was quite difficult and challenging to believe and accept such words from Moses considering the circumstance they were in. How was it that the Pharoh would just allow all those slaves the Egyptians depending on to simply just leave? It seemed impossible. However, nothing is impossible for the LORD. If the LORD promises, we know He will keep it. All that is required is belief, acceptance, and faith. Let us always have hope in the LORD.

O yes, He cares—I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares. —Graeff

Even when we don't sense God's presence, His loving care is all around us.

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Psalm 71:12-18

"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come." (v. 14-18)

Who or what do we have to fear? Death? Even Jesus Christ conquered death for us. As His sons and daughters, we have been given eternal life. We have nothing or no one to fear other than our God. For He has given us the greatest gift of all, salvation. He is the provider of all our needs as Jehovah Jirah. Therefore, let us not lose hope, but continue to hope in Him and find pure joy through Him. Let us rejoice and share with all about this wonderful news. Let us speak of His truth and His love, and let us be examples to our children and generations to come.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Malachi 3:6-12

"'I the LORD do not change. So you, O decendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty." (v. 6-7)

Relationships with others including our own spouse, siblings, parents, children, and friends can be a joy and challenging. When they are challenging it is typically a misunderstanding. It is sometimes difficult to know and expect from the other. We sometimes believe we know them, but find out otherwise. We all change... sometimes for the good, and other times for the worse. Opinions are formed because of these changes. We are like clay, continuously being molded.

Our heavenly Father on the other hand is never changing. He is perfect and clearly known. He is constant, and His love is the same yesterday, today, and forever more. He may seem to change, but it is actually our undersanding of Him that changes. Since He never changes, we know what to expect. We know that we can approach Him, receive His forgiveness and grace, and be blessed with His unconditional love. Oh how sweet it is to know this and be able to return to Him. Let us therefore not focus on our differences and imperfections, but on Him and draw from His strength and love.

Unchanging God who reigns above,
His truth remains forever;
And from this faithful God of love
No earthly trial can sever. —D. De Haan

Earth changes, but God and His Word stand sure! —Browning

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

2 Kings 7:1-11

"The men who had leprosy reached the edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also. Then they said to each other, 'We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until dayligh, punishment will overtake us. Let's go at once and report this to the royal palace.'" (v. 8-9)

Do we have any good news to share? If we had discovered the cure for cancer, one of the major causes of death, would we keep it to ourselves? We have the secret to the cure for deadliest disease of all which affects all known as sin. It is the greatest news of all because the hardest part has been taken care for us. We simply believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins. He enter this earth, was sinless and blameless, died on the cross for all, and rose from the dead to sit with the Heavenly Father. He handled the hardest part. We simply need to believe and accept Him into our lives. Isn't this the greatest news ever? Are we not doing right if we keep it to ourselves. Let us be excited and share this to all so they too may be saved!!!

"Years ago I set out a honeycomb to feed some bees that had a hive a short distance away. To start the process I captured one bee in a cup, placed it over the honeycomb, and waited until the bee discovered the treasure. When it was filled and satisfied, it flew directly to the hive. After a moment the bee returned with a dozen others. These in turn brought many more, until finally a swarm of bees covered the comb and soon had carried all the honey into the hive." —M. R. De Haan, M.D.

Close to your door may be someone in sin,
O tell him the story true
Of Him who died his lost soul for to win—
O bring the one next to you! —Forsythe

Once you've tasted the Bread of Life, you'll want to share it.

Monday, April 18, 2005

1 John 3:11-20

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." (v. 16-18)

We can learn so much about God and read about how best to live a Christian life. We can create the best plans and programs at a church. We can spend regular time with the Lord through QTs, Bible Studies, and in prayer. These are all important and necessary. However, if we do all these things, but do not take any action, then it becomes meaningless. As we learn the truth and His love grows in us, then who we are and how we behave should also change and grow. Our actions should naturally become a reflection of His truth and love. Therefore, let us not learn with our minds alone, but let us also change with our hearts and take action in His truth and love.

We are God's hands on earth—created both to receive help and to give it. Do you know someone who needs help on the way? —Dave Branon

Jesus taught when He lived on this earth
How to show love to the lost;
Don't be afraid to give a kind touch,
No matter how much it may cost. —Carbaugh

A helping hand can lighten another's burden.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Hebrews 7:23-8:2

"Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Tehrefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (v. 23-25)

The events of Christ's death and resurrection were not completion of His ministries. Jesus continues to intercede for all who seeks Him. His commands to pray to our Father in His name remains true to this day. We must shake away any thoughts as if His resurrection was the end of our relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit intercedes with our hearts to be our Helper, and Jesus intercedes with the Father for our sake. Let us listen to the Spirit, but let us not lessen the importance with praying to our Heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ.

In the hour of trial, Jesus, plead for me,
Lest, by base denial, I depart from Thee;
When Thou seest me waver, with a look recall;
Nor for fear or favor suffer me to fall. —Montgomery

Satan is powerless against the power of Christ's prayer.

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Mark 16:1-14

"When the Sabboth was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, 'Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?' But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away." (v. 1-4)

There may be times when the Lord may call us to do His mighty work that seems impossible to accomplish. There may be times when we seek to bless the Lord or others, and the task seems daunting. In all these cases, the Lord our Jehovah Jirah will make it possible. If we are faithful to obey, then the Lord will make the way for us. Let us not be paralyzed by our fears of obstacles. Allow our faith to overcome these fears, because our Lord will provide. Therefore, let us continue to bless Him and others.

In today's bright sunlight basking,
Leave tomorrow's cares alone—
Spoil not present joys by asking:
"Who shall roll away the stone?"
Oft, before we've faced the trial
We have come with joy to own,
Angels have from heaven descended
And have rolled away the stone. —Anon.


If God doesn't remove an obstacle, He'll help you find a way around it.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Isaiah 53:4-10

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smiten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all." (v. 4-6)

Sin is usually the act of our own selfish desires. It may only be a short gain for us, but never a benefit to anyone else. We often times believe that it really doesn't harm anyone else. However, the truth is that it hurts many. Worst of all, it hurts our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ died for our selfish desires... it is our sins that put Him to death, and especially separated Him from the Father. He suffered for every one of our sins regardless of how big or small, and He took our place for the ultimate punishment that belongs to us. So let us focus on Him... draw strength from Him... and rethink when we are tempted to sin, and remember the sufferings the Lord had experience for our sake.

See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? —Watts

Jesus took our sin so that we might have His salvation.